It sounds like Frank and Sharon are having a great time on their cross-country trip even though the weather hasn’t always cooperated. They are keeping us updated by sharing their experiences with daily posts on Frank’s blog along with pictures of their trip.

They have arrived in Las Vegas and really enjoyed their visit to Hoover Dam. Follow along on the rest of their trip by clicking here!

2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Bikes

It would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of the touring market to Harley-Davidson. According to Harley’s statistics, the touring models have led the industry in market share for the touring category 14 consecutive years.

The 2009 Harley-Davidson touring family includes the Road King, Road King Classic, Street Glide, Road Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic and Ultra Classic Electra Glide. These bikes appear very similar to the 2008 models, but the changes are actually quite massive.

Click here to read the rest of this article.

Frank Brown is a retired pipe fitter from GM who has been riding since age 18. His dream journey circle tour will take him and friend Sharon across the Southwest US. He’ll be blogging about his trip, experiences and sharing photos at www.usedhogparts.com/frank.

With just a matter of hours left until he takes off, Frank was nice enough to answer some questions. Read on to get a little bit of background about Frank and his trip.

UHP:
As you get ready to travel thousands of miles across the USA, how did you get started on Harleys and how have your experiences shaped your expectations for this trip?

Frank
I got onto Harley’s last year when my friend Tim hooked me up on a great deal on my Dyna. I never fully appreciated that Harley mystique until riding one and listening to the throaty roar of the pipes.

UHP:
We know you’ve got a wedding to be at in Las Vegas, but what other reasons do you have for the trip? Why now?

Frank:
Yes, I will be attending my nephew’s wedding in Las Vegas. Years ago I read a book called “Blue Highways” about a man’s trip across country using only two lane roads, no interstates. That had an appeal to me which hasn’t subsided. I’ve always wanted to see more of the southwest US, and from the time I got the Dyna, I’d been thinking it’s time to do a cross country ride. My sister lives just north of San Diego, so that has always been a target destination. My nephew’s wedding in Vegas just gave me the motivation to take action and plan the trip.

UHP:
Apart from needing to go south (because it’s still super cold in Michigan) and the wedding, how did you choose your route and do you have specific destinations in mind or are you going to play it by ear?

Frank:
You are right, the temperature is the main reason for heading south before going west. Initially the main stops were going to be Vegas for the wedding, San Diego to see Susan, and San Antonio to see my son, Jason. When we found out Sharon could get the block of time off, we added her friends Debbie and Teddy to the agenda. The use of interstates is for the time factor. Three weeks sounds like a lot of time, but we have a lot of miles to go, too. So we have five specific destinations, the rest are anticipated overnight stops based on mileage, not carved in stone. We know we may need to adapt for weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances.

UHP:
Tell us about your Dyna Low Rider and how it compares with your newly-purchased Electra-Glide classic that you’ll be using for the trip. Also, any other great bikes you’ve ridden over the years?

Frank:
I love the Dyna and its low center of gravity. It is nice and snappy, easy to handle and fun to ride. The modified pipes have a beautiful deep, throaty sound that is music to my ears. We rode up to Harbor Springs last October for the colors, and can do distance on the Dyna no problem. We rode about five hours a day on that trip, and anticipate 6 to 7 hours a day on the road this trip. The Electra Glide provides better seating for the passenger, about the same for the rider, and has adjustable air shocks to compensate for the weight of the luggage. The big fairing compared to the windshield on the Dyna gives the rider more protection on those colder rides. The higher passenger seat actually puts Sharon more into the wind than on the Dyna, so that’s a trade off for her. In the past, I’ve ridden metric bikes, all stock, but fun none the less. I think part of the thrill of motorcycles is the great power to weight ratio, and leaning into and powering through the turns. They all do that pretty darn nicely!

UHP:
What other experiences have you had before this cross-country trip? Have you done any other long hauls? What about motorcycle rallies, poker runs, or charity events?

Frank: Last summer I took the Dyna to Pittsburgh several times, but nothing on this scale before. I did do one charity ride here near Belleville last year. In the mid nineties I commuted to Grand Blanc and back for two summers on a ‘77 Gold Wing. I hope to do some poker runs and other events this summer.

UHP: Finally, we also know that you make up only half of this trip. Tell us a little bit about your passenger Sharon and how she decided to come along for the journey.

Frank: Sharon and I went to school together and reunited last year through classmates.com. We hit it off pretty good together and so keep hanging out. She hadn’t ridden before I took her out on the Dyna, and after her first ride, she was hooked. She said “Now I know why dogs stick their head out the window!” If it’s not wet and the temp is above 45 degrees, she’s saying “c’mon, let’s ride!” So when I was chatting with her about the trip, she said she had plenty of time off accrued. So I said if she could get it in one block, she was welcome to join me, and that was all it took. I think if they’d told her no, someone would have gotten hurt!

Frank and Sharon – Have a wonderful and safe trip!

Frank is counting down the days until his trip circling the Southwest begins.  Watch the countdown at the top of the website as the day of departure (April 18) gets closer.

Click on Follow Frank and read all about the trip on Frank’s blog.  There is a map of the proposed route, pictures of Frank and his ride, and blog posts about his preparation.  He even bought a new (2004) bike for the trip.

Frank plans to keep us updated on his progress during the trip by posting maps, pictures and descriptions of his experiences.

It will almost be like taking the trip along with him.

Unfortunately in today’s world, especially with the economy being the shape it’s in, a motorcycle is something easy for thieves to steal.

According to National Insurance Crime Bureau statistics, motor vehicle thefts are on the rise, and among the vehicles being targeted are motorcycles. That’s right! Your Harley is something everyone else wants, and some will just take it if you aren’t careful. I suggest you all learn the best ways to Protect Your Harley from Theft!  Click here to read this article!

Exciting Updates!

I’d like to mention to all of you that UHP is revamping its website soon.  We are constantly looking for ways to make your experience here at UHP user friendly and satisfying.  We will be bringing new features to you to make that happen in the very near future.  We are sure that the changes will make your searches for parts and accessories much easier. 

Lastly, we will also be introducing a new blog segment to UHP.  We will present you with more details soon, but for all of you that enjoy bike touring and exciting Harley adventures; this upcoming blog segment will bring you along for the ride and let you get a taste of the action right from the company of your home!  

Stay tuned!

~UHP Admin